Mary Berry helping Paul Hollywood to lose weight

Mary Berry is trying to help Paul Hollywood stick to his diet as he hopes to lose weight by August

Mary Berry has been helping Paul Hollywood lose weight.

The 'Great British Bake Off' judge is desperately trying to beat the bulge before the new series returns to screens later this year and has turned to his 81-year-old co-star to help him make sure he stays on the straight and narrow.

A source explained: "It's proving difficult for Paul to shift the weight when he's spending the whole day eating cake. Mary has suggested he just eat smaller portions but he has to try all of the bakes regardless. But off screen he is sticking to a strict diet of absolutely no cakes whatsoever."

The 50-year-old celebrity chef - who already lost seven pounds in just over a month - has also enlisted the help of a personal trainer in order to shift an extra stone by August.

The insider told The Sun newspaper: "He is also working out with a personal trainer three times a week and is regularly hitting the tennis court. Paul is really taking it seriously.

"He is determined to get into shape after turning 50 in March. The show is such a huge hit that it's important he is looking good on camera."